Airmen at the 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on May 22 carrying a classified National Reconnaissance Office payload. The launch took place Thursday morning from Space Launch Complex 41, states the release. “This is the culmination of a lot of long hours and hard work by the entire mission team, which included the wing, NRO, ULA, and other mission partners,” said Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, commander of the 45th SW. The May 22 “launch helps to ensure that vital NRO resources will continue to bolster our national defense while showcasing why the 45th Space Wing is the world’s premiere gateway to space,” she said.
Earlier this spring, the 388th Fighter Wing proved just 12 Airmen can operate an F-35 contingency location, refueling and rearming the fighters at spots across Georgia and South Carolina. The demonstration, part of exercise Agile Flag 23-1, marks yet another proof of concept for the Air Force’s plan to send…